Confident. Fearless. Inspired. | Michaela Shallenberger |

We are bringing you our second Confident. Fearless. Inspired. guest here at All Por Ju! San Diego based, Michaela Sahallenberger, owner & creator of Studio von Berg, has so willingly lent us her artistic mind to share her latest creations with all of our readers. She specializes in calligraphy and illustration all while dabbling in paint and flowers, and we’re excited to introduce her to all of you!

What’s your story? How were you inspired to start Studio von Berg?

I knew that I wanted to start a creative business and for a long time I actually thought it would be a furniture business (fitting for APJ, huh?) but it eventually evolved into calligraphy and illustration, where I’m currently doing event work, branding, and teaching workshops. I’ve spent a lot of time (and money…) developing my style and perfecting my calligraphy to a point where I felt it was time to open for business. You can read more about what inspires me and my work on my about page.

What’s your educational background?

I’m actually still a student (insert the monkey covering its face emoji.) I love learning and I’m indecisive, so I might just be a student forever. So far my majors have included: architecture, business management, web design and development, and horticulture. I’d like to major in everything!

Have you always been interested in calligraphy?

I’ve been “hand-lettering” ever since I could write my name, but I picked up pointed pen calligraphy later in life by attending a workshop taught by Jenna Rainey of Monvoir. I loved it so much that I knew it was something I really wanted to learn more of and pursue. I ended up taking private lessons from Jenna, and for weeks and weeks I met with her until she “graduated” me. After that I did personal projects and things for friends, but I didn’t officially start my business until 2014.

How would you describe your home style to us in 3 words?

1. Warm-Industrial – Is using hyphenated words cheating? I would just say “Industrial,” but industrial is typically kind of a cold style I think. I like to warm it up with woods and lots of cozy textiles.

2. Old-School – Literally. Like an old school. We love our books, I have a collection of old globes throughout the home, I use a vintage school desk to house my computer, I love using maps and learning material as decoration/art, we have zero carpet in our place, and I usually have a slew of art supplies sitting at the kitchen table.

3. Earthy – I love the outdoors and I try to bring the outdoors in as much as possible. Our living room side table is an old tree stump that I sanded down, I buy and forage fresh flowers and foliage for the home every week, I try to have plants around to liven things up, our bedroom curtain rod is made out of an old tree branch, and I try to collect pieces that are made out of earthier materials than plastic like wood, metal, leather, and natural textiles.

Do you display your work as part of your own home decor?

I do display some of my work around the home. I have a lot of things in my shop that work as home decor and I display my favorites in our home. I also have some tea towels that I use in the kitchen that have my work screen printed onto them.

Where do you gather inspiration for your designs?

I gather a lot of my inspiration for my work outdoors. At the very root of my inspiration dreams is Swiss countryside and farmland. I love all of the imagery that comes to my mind when I think of a little farm nestled up in a small Swiss town with green rolling hills and wildflowers surrounding, and the mountains booming up in the backdrop. I specifically love finding inspiration from a few Instagram accounts as well, including:

I do an Inspiration Series on my blog where you can find all sorts of my inspiration as well.

How would you describe your ultimate dream space?

My ultimate dream space would have beautiful, raw, but smooth hardwood flooring, a worn leather Chesterfield, cozy sheepskins, vintage Persian rugs, a wood burning stove, tons of natural light streaming through the huge windows, some Schoolhouse Electric lighting and accessories, a yard (bigger than the house) equipped with an amazing kitchen garden, and of course, my loved ones. (All of this preferably secluded in a miniature forrest not too far from the convenience of an airport and a hospital. 🙂

What’s your favorite project you’ve been a part of? Can you tell us about it?

That’s too difficult of a question to answer! I’ve loved so many projects and jobs. I’ve especially loved working with Layered Vintage for events. The Darling Dinner San Diego was probably a favorite. “One characteristic of the #DarlingMovement is women gathering for a purpose, valued as individuals, brought together to speak and share over supper.” -Darling Magazine

It was really great to gather with so many talented women and to help create a beautiful setting for dinner. I was able to create all of the signage as well as the menu.

Thank you, Studio von Berg!

By now you’re probably wondering how you can learn more about Studio von Berg and keep in touch with Michaela. She’s teaching a workshop if you’re interested, read about it HERE.